Marc Overmars has been given a global ban by FIFA for "inappropriate messages" he sent to female colleagues during his time at Ajax.
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Overmars left Ajax in 2022Global ban now handed outHad been working for Royal AntwerpWHAT HAPPENED?
As per , Overmars has been given a global football ban by FIFA after being reported by the Dutch football association (KNVB), having previously been banned in the Netherlands for two years, with one year suspended, by an independent Dutch sports tribunal. He subsequently left Ajax in February of 2022 and had been working with Royal Antwerp, although it remains to be seen if he will be forced to resign.
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A statement from the governing body read: "FIFA can confirm that following a request by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the sanction imposed by KNVB on Mr Marc Overmars to have worldwide effect."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The former Arsenal striker made his name with Ajax as a player, winning three league titles and the Champions League during his time with the Dutch club. He then moved to Arsenal, where he won the double, and finished his career with stints at Barcelona and the Go Ahead Eagles.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
A global ban being imposed is almost certain to affect Overmars' current employment status at Antwerp. He expressed remorse after leaving Ajax in 2022 and admitted to being "ashamed" as the messages he sent to his female colleagues were brought to light.
"Certainly for someone in my position this behaviour is unacceptable," Overmars added. "I now see that but it is too late. I see no other option but to leave Ajax."